A group allegedly using infants for begging at Malumichampatti signal in Coimbatore was stopped by local youths, who alerted police and child welfare authorities. The rescued children were later handed over to a government welfare home.
Coimbatore:
A group allegedly using infants to seek alms from the public at the Malumichampatti signal in Coimbatore was intercepted by local youths on Monday, leading to the rescue of several children.
Residents said women carrying infants had been frequently seen begging at the busy signal junction under harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain. Videos of the children being carried on roads while begging had circulated on social media, drawing concern from the public.
Members of the Netaji Nanbargal Narpani Mandram from the locality intervened after noticing the activity and stopped those involved. The youths subsequently informed the police and the District Child Protection Unit about the incident.
The rescued infants were later handed over to a Children Welfare Home under the supervision of child welfare authorities. Police have begun inquiries with the women who were allegedly using the children for begging to ascertain the circumstances and identify those responsible.
Social activists and residents expressed concern over the increasing number of incidents involving infants being used for begging at major traffic signals across Coimbatore city and suburban areas.
The youths also alleged that despite complaints being made to child welfare authorities in the past, officials often failed to reach the locations promptly, allowing such activities to continue.
Social activists have urged the police and the Social Welfare Department to conduct intensified surveillance at major junctions and traffic signals across Coimbatore to identify and prevent the exploitation of children for begging.
A group allegedly using infants to seek alms from the public at the Malumichampatti signal in Coimbatore was intercepted by local youths on Monday, leading to the rescue of several children.
Residents said women carrying infants had been frequently seen begging at the busy signal junction under harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain. Videos of the children being carried on roads while begging had circulated on social media, drawing concern from the public.
Members of the Netaji Nanbargal Narpani Mandram from the locality intervened after noticing the activity and stopped those involved. The youths subsequently informed the police and the District Child Protection Unit about the incident.
The rescued infants were later handed over to a Children Welfare Home under the supervision of child welfare authorities. Police have begun inquiries with the women who were allegedly using the children for begging to ascertain the circumstances and identify those responsible.
Social activists and residents expressed concern over the increasing number of incidents involving infants being used for begging at major traffic signals across Coimbatore city and suburban areas.
The youths also alleged that despite complaints being made to child welfare authorities in the past, officials often failed to reach the locations promptly, allowing such activities to continue.
Social activists have urged the police and the Social Welfare Department to conduct intensified surveillance at major junctions and traffic signals across Coimbatore to identify and prevent the exploitation of children for begging.